Adjustable baluster system

Abstract

The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged.

1. A stair railing having a plurality of baluster assemblies supporting a top rail a first distance above a staircase, each baluster assembly comprising:
 a first baluster portion having a bottom end and top end defining a length therebetween that is less than the first distance; 
 a first attachment having an elongated slot therethrough and attached to an underside of the top rail, 
 a threaded fastener extending through the slot and top end of the first baluster portion to connect the top end of the first baluster portion to the first attachment for pivotal and slidable adjustment therebetween, the fastener also being selectively lockable to fix the position of first baluster portion relative to the first attachment, 
 a second baluster portion having a bottom end and top end defining a length therebetween that is less than the length of the first baluster portion, the top end of the second portion slidingly engaged within the bottom end of the first portion such that the portions are selectively slidable with respect to each other to allow for the first distance to be adjusted, 
 a locking fixture surrounding the bottom end of the first portion and having a set screw threaded through the fixture locking the first portion relative to the second portion, and 
 a second attachment attaching the second portion bottom end to the staircase. 
 
   
   
     2. The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a decorative portion carried by the first baluster portion. 
   
   
     3. The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second baluster portions has a non-circular cross section so that the baluster portions cannot rotate with respect to each other when the second baluster portion is disposed within the first baluster portion.